Today we remember and celebrate an NC State legend, Kay Yow

It has been 16 years to the day since we lost Kay Yow, but she will always be remembered for the advancement of women’s basketball at NC State and women’s sports in the ACC.

“When life kicks you, let it kick you forward”

Today and everyday we celebrate the legacy of Coach Kay Yow 🫶

We are forever thankful for the coach, friend and mentor she was. Her legacy lives on, as she continues to positively impact so many lives! pic.twitter.com/XciHPc0Fe7

— NC State WBB 🐺🏀 (@PackWomensBball) January 24, 2025

Kay Yow was an absolute legend at NC State, coaching the women’s basketball team from 1975 to 2009. She racked up over 700 wins, making her one of the elites in women’s college basketball.

She was the first full-time women’s coach in North Carolina and the first woman to handle women’s sports administration in the ACC. Under her guidance, the Wolfpack hit the NCAA Tournament 20 times, got to the Sweet 16 eleven times, made it to the Elite Eight once, and even reached the Final Four in ’98. They also snagged five ACC Regular Season titles and four tournament championships – the woman knew how to win.

But Kay was more than just a coach; she was a real fighter. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, she didn’t let it stop her – she even coached the U.S. to a gold medal in the ’88 Olympics. Her battle with cancer led her to start the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund in 2007, which has since raised a ton of money for cancer research.

She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, and beyond her wins on the court, she was known for her inspirational talks, her faith, and her big heart. Kay was a huge part of NC State’s identity, and her impact on women’s basketball and cancer awareness is still felt today.